Has anyone else encountered seemingly random operation of the flasher relay?

Every so often, we hear the relay start to click, as it would if you had an indicator on. I've checked and nothing is actually flashing, it is just the relay operating. Eventually it self clears, or you can stop it by switching another electrical load on, like the side/headlamps, or the wiper.

I'm guessing that a bit of current is leaking into the device from somewhere. Time to go exploring with the test meter, I suppose!

Hi Charles.

Check the wiring inside your trafficator switch and ensure that there are no loose or bits of wiring strand that can bridge any of the terminals. If your interrupter unit is being activated then a circuit is being made, possibly to both sides at once (the interrupter unit fitted is usually not rated to light more than 2 21w bulbs at once (- if it is trying to operate the trafficators on both sides at the same time the exterior bulbs will not light) The hazard unit is normally rated to light about 6 21w bulbs

HTH

Mark

If you wish to inspect the ' Trafficator Switch ' in its location beside the speedo head in the Dashboard unit then do this ......

Look at the dashboard unit containing these items , you will see , or should , some 2 BA hex head machine screws holding down the panel into which these items are fitted . Along top edge of this panel is a brass piano hinge , undo the BA screws carefully and remove from panel , carefuly lift the dash panel up --- it may prove useful to gently spray the hinge with WD40 before attempting to lift panel as it will almost surely be stiff with age [ hhmmm !! ] having not been opened for some time , leave for a few minutes to penetrate and then left the panel upwards to reveal the wiring inside . If like in my 2708s dashboard the wiring will be well laid out and each set of wires will be ' cable tied ' together as each set of wires goes to each unit . Clean around the units and as Mark says look for any stray loose wire ends that may be present , if the panel box unit is clean with nothing obviously visibly wrong then you may need to start looking at the interrupter unit which may have become suspect due to age .. the interruptor unit is repairable if so desired .

Its a Routemaster so look for the easiest mundane options first , as with your saloon lighting Charlie --- the light switch was first suggested and was proved right ..